Sunseeker apprenticeship programme to expand again

The Poole-based yard has announced that it will be taking on 40 new Sunseeker apprentices this year

For the second year in a row, the Sunseeker apprentice programme is being expanded, with the Poole-based firm set to hire 40 additional trainees, up from 28 last year.

Announced as part of National Apprenticeship Week, the new intake will include 26 new hires at Sunseeker HQ in Poole and a further 14 at its Portland facility.

Alex Bowman, training manager at Sunseeker International, said: “Developing new talent within the workforce is essential to maintaining our reputation and position as a world leader in luxury performance motor yacht design and manufacture.”

Three and four-year courses are available on this long-established apprenticeship scheme, which has been running since 1979.

Sunseeker apprentices will be able to choose from four different specialisms: composite boat builders (3-year), carpentry boat builders (4-year), marine electricians (4-year) and marine engineers (4-year).

Workers will contribute to all of the production lines in the Sunseeker range, from the entry-level San Remo 48 to the flagship 155 Yacht.

Sunseeker is currently in the process of training 60 apprentices in conjunction with Bournemouth & Poole College, and the new intake will take the total to 100 – the highest number of Sunseeker apprentices to date.

“Our record intake of apprentices demonstrates our investment in the future of the marine industry, enabling young people in the local community to kick-start their career in this sector,” Alex added.

For more information, visit: www.thecollege.co.uk/sunseeker